Fitz Koehler recently joined Jenny Bellinger on the Badass Direct Sales Mastery Podcast for an inspiring and energetic conversation about fitness, race announcing, personal challenges, and the power of saying yes to new opportunities.
How Fitz Became a Race Announcer
Fitz has spent her career helping people embrace fitness in a fun and accessible way. Her transition into race announcing was unexpected but natural. While speaking at a Run Disney event, legendary announcer Rudy Novotny noticed her energy and ability to connect with large audiences. He invited her to co-announce a race, and from that moment on, Fitz found herself at the center of some of the biggest races in the country, bringing excitement and motivation to thousands of runners.
The Magic of Women’s Races
Fitz highlighted the incredible atmosphere at women-focused events like the DC Wonder Woman Run Series, where thousands of women show up dressed as superheroes, supporting and uplifting each other. Unlike the competitive or judgmental environments that can sometimes exist in daily life, these races create a space for encouragement and camaraderie, proving that fitness is about community, not just competition.
Overcoming Cancer While Staying in the Game
One of the most powerful moments in the conversation was Fitz’s discussion about her breast cancer battle. She shared how she discovered her tumor just seven weeks after a clean mammogram and how her quick action led to immediate treatment. Throughout her 16-month battle, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, Fitz never gave up on her career. She continued traveling and announcing races, even scheduling IV treatments at hotels to keep herself strong enough to perform.
Her book, My Noisy Cancer Comeback, shares the raw, funny, and unexpected moments of her cancer journey. She hopes it encourages others to stay positive and fight through their hardest challenges.
The Power of Saying Yes
Fitz and Jenny discussed the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone. Whether it is trying a new career path, pushing through personal struggles, or saying yes to unexpected opportunities, Fitz believes that growth happens when you embrace challenges.
Building a Supportive Business and Life
The conversation also touched on direct sales, a field dominated by women supporting each other in their business journeys. Just like in racing, success in sales comes from focusing on your own goals rather than worrying about the competition. Fitz emphasized that positivity, hard work, and persistence are key ingredients for success, whether in business, fitness, or life.
Final Takeaway
This episode is packed with motivation, humor, and valuable lessons for anyone looking to push past their limits. Fitz’s energy and resilience make this conversation a must-listen for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone who needs a reminder that they can do hard things.
Listen to the full podcast episode for inspiration, laughter, and plenty of takeaways to apply to your own journey.
